Ever since Nintendo released the Pokémon GO Plus wristband, we've seen a steady stream of imitators hit the market, keen to capitalise on the desire for a device which allows you to catch 'mon and spin Poké-stops without actually having to extract your phone from your pocket.
Up until now, the best device we've seen is the Go-tcha Evolve, which comes with its own colour screen and doesn't require a charger, as the strap pops off to reveal the USB-A charging connector. However, the presence of that connector means it's not waterproof – so it's not perfect by any means.
However, a new challenger has just arrived in the form of the Brook Auto Catch Lightning, which is a simplified version of Brook's previous effort, the Auto Catch. There's no LCD screen this time, and instead, you're notified by a single multi-colour LED on the face of the device. There's a single button for interaction, too, which is usually limited to powering up the device to make it ready to connect to the Pokémon GO app on your phone. It's one of the most streamlined solutions we've seen.
Like the Go-tcha, the Auto Catch Lightning is a lozenge-shaped device which pops into a rubber wrist band. It's charged using two connectors on the bottom, and requires a special charging lead – so you'll want to be sure you don't lose it. You'll get around 18 hours of use from a single charge. It's worth noting that the unit we were sent refused to charge initially, and we assumed it was faulty. However, the instructions claim that the battery, when not used for prolonged periods, goes into a 'safe mode' and to trigger the charging process you have to remove the charger from a power source repeatedly while holding down the button on the Auto Catch. It took a while for it to work, but this did indeed bring our unit back to life. Phew.
It sports a reasonably inconspicuous design, so if you're self-conscious about being identified as a 'mon catcher then it might be a better bet than the rather obvious Pokémon GO Plus. It's also waterproof, which is a definite bonus.
With a recommended price tag of around $45 / £30, the Auto Catch isn't going to break the bank, but it's perhaps not as cheap as it should be when compared to its rivals. Still, we've been using it for a few days and can report it has been utterly faultless, so if you're on the lookout for a simple Pokémon GO auto-catch companion that's waterproof and fairly discreet, it's a good shout.
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Comments 27
I wonder if this works? I bought a Gotcha a few weeks ago and it is simply a defective product.
If you are on Android, avoid like the plague.
It's not a good attempt as it will teach the Gen Z and Millenials into wrong way in playing video games.
The handphone games design is already wrong, added with auto commands option = it just killing the purpose of playing video games since you can win everything by absolutely doing nothing.
Also, $45 for Auto catch option = Robbery in the afternoon.
Don't teach the gen Z and Millenials into laziness in video gaming like that.
And I've taken the bait like so many Magikarp before me.
I'll need to upgrade my phone if I'm to play Pokémon GO again, but I already have the official accessory; plus, the controllers included with the Let's Go games also fulfill the same function.
These knock-off products are usually rubbish anyway, and the fact that it isn't even cheaper than the official products makes it easy to skip.
The future of video games where to pay to not even play them. I say future but many are already there
@C-Olimar I tested on iOS and it works flawlessly.
What's the point if you're just going to get a device to do it for you? Pokèmon Go is called Pokèmon Go for a reason and it's not this thing.
@Damo That's good to know, however it seems the Gotcha runs fine on iOS too.
If anyone has used this on Android, please let me know how you get on.
It's a little absurd that they don't make any more stock of the official Go Plus accessory, giving way for third-party accessories like these to fill the gap.
I'd prefer an accessory that doesn't auto-catch or auto-spin, because there can be cases when you'll want to control when you catch something or spin a Pokéstop.
@RubyCarbuncle There's still a lot you have to do manually in PGO. Powering up your monsters, taking part in raids, battling other monsters to control gyms, etc. This is really more about convenience, as there are times when you can't be looking at your phone 24/7.
I’m gonna have to update my phone to keep playing POGO.
Ugh and I’m still trying to save room for Disney mirror verse and the new update for cookie run.
@C-Olimar I've been using a Gotcha for years now and I just brought a replacement one and I'm on Android and did you download the Gotcha App on Android you need to have the app in order for it to work and the Gotcha Uses a proprietary charger and the one that comes with it in the box might not fit and you have to buy a new charger
Another cheat device for a Pokémon game!
I just recently ordered a Gotcha bracelet. I tried one before but I didn't understand it. So now when I restarted the game Pokemon Go and finally understanding the formula I ordered one and now waiting for the delivery. It's good excersize with Pokemon Go.
@Damo My dad and mom are always complaining to put the phone to the side.
@xLanS3105 I am always on the phone. And so if I am always on my phone I'll play Pokemon Go!
😊I love PoGo moreover now than ever before because it means I get to keep my 'Z-Flip 3' out even more and show off to passers by.
"Can catch em all, I guess, if I want" doesn't have the same feel to it
Ah yes playing games by not playing them. So fun!
@Greatluigi Mirrorverse has been out..and it's horrible. You can play for about an hour and then it's paywalled. Plus the actual battling is really really boring. Has some decent graphics, that's it, you're not missing much.
@Anti-Matter You keep saying millennial but I don't think you know what that term means (unsurprisingly). I grew up with original Nintendo, pretty sure I know how to play a game.
If I use this, does IT become the pokemon master and not me?
I deleted Pokémon go because 'catchin em all' is impossible when you have limited Pokémon storage lol
@Anti-Matter I'm not sure I get the point of your post. You're pressed because there is an aid to a game you have to get up and off your butt to play. That isn't lazy, it's efficient. You're just mad cause you're old and bitter. We gamers don't need your antiquated viewpoints. And this is coming from a 40 year old gamer.
@dew12333 lol I love how pissed people get over the most trivial of matters. This is comical.
@RubyCarbuncle you realize this thing doesn't walk for you, right? You realize you still have to get up and go, right? You realize you still have to fight gyms, maintain your pokemon, etc? You realize that if you don't like you don't have to buy it, right? Cause it sounds like you don't know ANY of that lol.
@Rectifier9 I did but the device makes it a lot easier and it sort of takes the reward out of it. It's just how I feel personally but I read @Damo reply and I agree.
I have personally
"Catch 'em all, the lazy way"
I feel like it's lazier too stop in the middle of your walk to play a video game, when the alternative is to keep walking and let your game play itself. 🤷🏻♂️
@RubyCarbuncle some people just want to walk and keep on walking
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